Glenelly 'Lady May' 2019 750ml

Product Info

94pts Wine Advocate
This is the vintage that broke the dreaded drought period, and this lady comes out singing in the much-needed rain. The Glenelly 2019 Stellenbosch Lady May is the estate's top wine. It represents a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Lady May is generally 70% to 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, but that number comes down in 2019, as the team looked for optimal ripeness. Because of the relatively cooler conditions, and the fact that light radiation stays high in South Africa after veraison, this wine is quite rich and vertical in intensity with licorice-like flavors. In fact, the winemaking team sought to tone it down a bit by reducing some of the new oak. The results are focused and sharp, and what Lady May shows in this vintage is a pretty sense of freshness with elegantly chalky tannins.

Located at the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain, Glenelly shares important DNA with Bordeaux thanks to founder May-Éliane de Lencquesaing, or Lady May, former owner and managing director of the Pauillac winery Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. Her South African estate counts 57 hectares nestled into a beautiful amphitheater with soft slopes and morning light before the sun sets in the west. With decomposed granite soils, the vineyards are between 130 and 280 meters in elevation and remain cool, with temperatures that drop one degree Celsius every 10 meters in elevation. The surrounding mountains serve to funnel and channel the winds, with moderating effects on plant growth.

I met with CEO Nicolas Bureau, Cellar Master Dirk Van Zyl and Viticulturist Heinrich Louw on a beautiful spring day. Given the season, the talk of the day was cover crops. Heinrich Louw implements what he calls "bottom-up soil management," which is a long-term commitment to stop plowing in order to avoid breaking up the soil structure and planting special cover crops. The four basic cover crops are grains (to catch carbon and help with soil structure), lupins (as a nitrogen fixer), brassicas (like radishes, with taproots that help against soil compaction) and vetches (or purple flowers that add nitrogen and act as weed suppressants).

A gravity-flow winey was built in 2008 and remains almost entirely off the grid. There is a fun glass museum that inspired the entry-level Glass Collection of wines, which offer terrific value across the board. Published: Jun 05, 2025 Reviewed by: Monica Larner

92pts Vinous Media
The 2019 Lady May is comprised of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, aged in 300-liter French oak, 40% new, for 12 months, blended before another 12 months in 75% new oak. It has quite a potent cassis and peppermint scented bouquet, just a touch of licorice coming through with aeration - certainly more towards the more opulent style of a Stellenbosch Bordeaux blend. The palate is very smooth on the entry, with succulent tannins imparting more flashiness than previous vintages. Rounded in texture and lightly spiced with touches of white pepper and clove, plenty of richness and structure is loaded onto the back end with a graphite-infused aftertaste. It will require three to four years in bottle. Very fine. Drinking Window 2026 – 2042 - By Neal Martin on August 2023

Terroir
Glenelly Estate’s flagship 'Lady May' originates from select vineyards in the Stellenbosch foothills, where granite and decomposed sandstone soils dominate. The vineyards are situated at moderate elevation, benefiting from cooling afternoon breezes from False Bay and a strong diurnal temperature swing that preserves acidity and aromatic clarity.

The 2019 vintage was characterized by a warm, steady growing season with minimal rainfall during harvest, allowing grapes to achieve optimal ripeness with concentrated flavor. This combination of sun, soil, and meticulous viticulture produces grapes with both power and elegance, capturing the essence of Stellenbosch terroir in a Bordeaux-style red blend.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
'Lady May' is a classic Bordeaux-style blend, dominated by 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot contributing structure, complexity, and aromatic lift. Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted, ensuring only the finest clusters enter fermentation.

Individual varietals undergo fermentation in small stainless steel or concrete vats, with careful punch-downs and pump-overs to extract color, tannin, and aromatic precursors. After primary fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately 18–24 months in French oak barrels, a portion new, allowing tannins to integrate and subtle spice, vanilla, and cedar nuances to develop. Minimal filtration preserves texture and depth, resulting in a wine that balances power with elegance.

Tasting Notes
The 2019 'Lady May' pours a deep garnet with vibrant purple highlights. The nose is immediately expressive: cassis, black cherry, and dark plum are intertwined with graphite, cedar, and hints of cocoa. Secondary aromas of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and subtle floral notes add complexity.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with polished, velvety tannins and bright, persistent acidity. Layers of dark fruit are complemented by notes of espresso, black olive, and baking spice, while the mineral undertone adds lift and definition. The finish is long, carrying both fruit and spice in a harmonious, structured expression typical of top Stellenbosch Cabernet blends.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 60–65°F with decanting recommended for 60–90 minutes to fully reveal aromatics and soften tannins. 'Lady May' pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled red meats, venison, lamb rack, and rich, slow-cooked stews. It also complements aged hard cheeses, mushroom-based dishes, and herb-driven sauces.

Its versatility at the table reflects both its fruit intensity and elegant structure, making it ideal for both celebratory meals and refined dining experiences.

Cellaring Potential
The 2019 vintage is built for long-term aging. While approachable now with careful decanting, it will continue to evolve and gain complexity over the next 12–18 years.

With proper cellar conditions, expect the primary dark fruit to gradually develop tertiary notes of leather, cedar, tobacco, and graphite, while the tannins soften and integrate fully. By the late 2030s, 'Lady May' should present a deeply layered, harmonious profile, reflecting both the power of Stellenbosch Cabernet and the meticulous winemaking that defines Glenelly Estate’s flagship red.